Fox Follow-up: Treasures of Italy with Dave Spano of Annex Wealth Management
Guest post by Fox Tour Manager, Elizabeth Cramer
The Treasures of Italy trip gave a truly fantastic overview of this bucket-list country. From the iconic food to the nature of different regions, we were never short of things to explore.
Destinations like the Villa Machiavelli offered us a private pasta-making demonstration along with delicious food and live music. We were able to explore architectural sights with local guides in places like Rome and Pompeii, learning history and culture first-hand from residents of the region.
My favorite part of the trip was sailing the city of Venice with all of our lovely guests. Seeing the magnificent buildings reflect off of the water via boat by night and gondola by day was truly magical.
Of course, touring does require a lot of movement, but between our luxurious motorcoach and a 2-day stay on the Isle of Capri, we always found time to relax and re-energize.
If you want to learn more about our upcoming trips to Italy, be sure to head over to our Fox Group Vacations page. If beautiful Tuscany is more your style, check out last weeks review of our Best of Italy tour from Fox Tour Manager, Denise Pedersen.
Meet Your Tour Manager: Elizabeth Cramer
From adventures below sea level in Death Valley to summiting the rooftop of Africa on Kilimanjaro, Elizabeth has spent the majority of her life documenting world travel through television, writing and photography.
Humble beginnings on a Midwestern farm cultivated a deep love for nature, animals and the arts. Raised in a hard-working family, Elizabeth started teaching herself how to play the piano at a young age, eventually winning national competitions and using her talents to perform and teach. Her career in music helped support a love for travel and her creativity was exactly what helped her to break into the media industry.
She received her Bachelors of Music from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2004 and a Masters of Psychology in 2008.
Elizabeth works as a tour director for Fox World Travel and is honored to host groups of guests around the world. In her own words, “The only thing better than seeing the world yourself, is watching someone else see it for the very first time.”
Though she loves to showcase international travel, Elizabeth is just as passionate about her own backyard in the United States. She can regularly be seen hosting on the Milwaukee PBS show “Outdoor Wisconsin” and is proud to call the Midwest home.
In addition, her travel writing can be found in various publications throughout Wisconsin.
When she’s not traveling or filming, Elizabeth can be found on her farm with her husband, five goats, two ponies, two dogs and seven cats.
If you would like to travel with a Fox Tour Manager like Elizabeth, take a look at our upcoming Fox Group Vacations.
Fox Follow-up: Best of Italy
Guest post by Fox Tour Manager Denise Pedersen
Whether this is your first trip to Italy or your fifth, the Best of Italy Fox Group Vacation is a great value for all of the amazing things you’ll see and do. Starting off in Rome, you’ll tour and learn about the fascinating history of the Colosseum. Other gems that I love and that you’re sure to enjoy include:
Meet Your Tour Manager: Rachel Couillard
Who we are is an ever-changing entity that is fueled by our life experiences and the connections we make with the people that come into our lives.
Rachel tackles every day with this attitude accompanied by a goal to experience something new, be it food, friends, culture or language. “I strive to live a big life filled with adventure, constantly pushing to learn something new about the world and about myself every day,” said Couillard. Working as a Tour Manager for Fox World Travel, Rachel gets to live her dream by sharing incredible experiences with clients.
Rachel has eight years of experience in many facets of the hospitality and fine dining industries including operations, sales, marketing and event planning that she brings to every trip. She has a Bachelors of Science in English Literature with a Minor in Business in 2010 from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Outside of her current role in Group Travel Operations, she is also currently pursuing a Technical Degree in Web Design and Development with a Certificate in Creating Content for the Web and training to become certified to Teach English as a Second Language. “I recently put my new tech skills to work to develop a travel blog for myself to fuel my passion for photography and travel writing,” said Couillard.
Rachel has a great interest in fun & sun destinations in part to her scuba experiences growing up. She also grew up on a horse farm in Northeast Wisconsin which fostered a life-long passion for all types of outdoor adventures. “I am looking forward to expanding my travel experience this year by taking my first trip to Europe for a land tour through Germany followed by skiing in the Austrian Alps in Tyrol,” said Couillard.
If you would like to travel with a Fox Tour Manager like Rachel, take a look at our upcoming Fox Group Vacations.
Fox World Travel’s Top 4 Key Features to Enable on Your SAP Concur Site
Looking to get the most out of your SAP Concur site? Fox’s Online Technology Manager, Ben Claxton and Client Solutions Manager, JoHannah Greene have the industry knowledge and tips to enhance your site. Below are the Top 4 Key Features to Enable on Your SAP Concur Site:
The All-Inclusive Resort Experience
In the most basic terms, “all-inclusive” refers to a vacation style or type of resort that includes your room accommodations plus meals and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, for one upfront price.
Many of our travelers choose an all-inclusive resort when traveling to the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. These resorts are a popular option because they eliminate a lot of budgeting, worry and planning during your trip. While not all destinations or resorts offer these plans, they are becoming increasingly popular.
By paying one upfront price, you can fully experience your vacation and relax and unwind at the resort. You can eat what you like, order as many drinks as you want by the pool, and never concern yourself with paying a bill throughout your stay, except for occasional “extras” such as spa services, optional or offsite excursions, souvenirs, optional tips and more.
Top 5 Reasons to Use an Online Booking Tool Through a TMC
From custom solutions to an improved traveler experience, using an online booking tool with the help of an expertly trained travel management company (TMC) enhances a travel program. Continue reading to learn how these features can help you and your travelers.
Highlights of Signature Collection Sailings
Hosted Sailings
Enjoy additional amenities and the benefit of sailing with an Experienced Personable Host who is on board to ensure your cruise is more enjoyable. An on board “By Invitation Only” party provides the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and share stories of your discoveries ashore.
Our Exclusive Private Car & Driver Experience
With a private car you will enjoy in-depth sightseeing and the services of a professional, knowledgeable driver who greets you at the pier. Linger at a museum, seek out an off-the-beaten-path boutique, enjoy a leisurely lunch; whatever you desire, you set the pace to create a personal and memorable experience. View our highlight video to learn more.
When searching for cruises on our web site, look for this symbol, which will indicate it is a Signature Collection sailing.
In addition, we also have a host of other exclusive benefits available with select cruise lines, such as free specialty dining and more! Reach out to us online for more information or call 888.369.8785.
How Companies are Making a Difference with Voluntourism
What is Voluntourism?
Voluntourism is what you get when you combine an international tourism trip with volunteer efforts. By participating, you’re not only given the opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in a new destination, but you also have the opportunity to give back and make a noticeable difference in the world. This form of travel has been a growing trend over the last decade and companies are taking note.
The Importance of Actively Managing Your Travel Policy
Although your travel policy may seem like it’s working, actively managing it can provide a multitude of benefits you may not be aware of. Here is why we think you should take the time to review your travel policy with a travel management company (TMC).